The National Order of Battlefield Commissions last held a reunion here in 1990.

John C. Angier III of St. Augustine, national adjutant for 12 years and co-chairman of this reunion, is hopeful this event is a success.

"Next year is open. If we show the members a good time, maybe we can have another reunion here before we go to Fort Bragg in '04," Angier said. "I want St. Augustine to get on the map."

Now 80, Angier served as a young infantry sergeant from Durham, N.C., with the 100th Infantry Division in 1945. He was commissioned a second lieutenant after six months at the head of his platoon, as it experienced fierce fighting at the Siegfried Line.

Angier almost didn't make it into the war. Turned down by the Navy as 4-F, he then joined the Army. He wrote a book about his battle experiences called "A 4-F Goes To War: With the 100th Infantry Division."

Angier was discharged as a first lieutenant in 1949, enlisted in the National Guard and retired a major. His 13 decorations include the Bronze Star with cluster.

According to the reunion's co-chair, Stan Schmucker of Melbourne, since the order was chartered in 1983 there were 1,106 members.

These came from all services and from World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Net active membership is right around 600, Schmucker said.

"We're a small organization and our numbers are dwindling. The last (commissions) were given in Vietnam," he said.

Age is only one factor, though. Smaller and quicker modern wars don't provide the openings for battlefield commissions.

The organization's ranks are loaded with heroes, though. Most are decorated for bravery, and there are five living Medal of Honor recipients listed as members.

Schmucker, 79, who serves as administrative officer to the organization, was promoted to second lieutenant from sergeant while serving in Battery B, 291st Field Artillery in World War II.

"I was at the northern tip of the Battle of the Bulge, near Malmedy," he said. "Most of us were relatively young men, 20 or 21."

Schmucker transferred his commission to the Army Reserves and was activated for Korea in 1952 and 1953 as a captain. Again he joined the reserves and retired as a colonel in 1983 at age 60.

He said the precise origin of the term "mustang" is unclear.

Promotions for distinguished service in battle have been given since 1845.

Schmucker said mustangs were "devil-may-care type of guys, a lot like actual mustangs. But in World War I, the Marines called their men who received battlefield commissions 'mustangs.' We might have stolen it from them."